Sunday 29 November 2009<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal">DAILY LECTIONARY</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Email Evangelism, forward to a friend: http://www.dailylectionary.org</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amos 1:1-5,13-2:8<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years* before the earthquake.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And he said:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord roars from Zion,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and utters his voice from Jerusalem;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the pastures of the shepherds wither,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the top of Carmel dries up.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus says the Lord:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For three transgressions of Damascus,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because they have threshed Gilead</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with threshing-sledges of iron.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I will send a fire on the house of Hazael,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will break the gate-bars of Damascus,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and the one who holds the sceptre from Beth-eden;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the people of Aram shall go into exile to Kir,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">says the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus says the Lord:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For three transgressions of the Ammonites,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in order to enlarge their territory.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I will kindle a fire against the wall of Rabbah,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>fire that shall devour its strongholds,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">with shouting on the day of battle,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with a storm on the day of the whirlwind;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">then their king shall go into exile,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he and his officials together,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">says the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus says the Lord:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For three transgressions of Moab,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because he burned to lime</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the bones of the king of Edom.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I will send a fire on Moab,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and it shall devour the strongholds of Kerioth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and Moab shall die amid uproar,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>amid shouting and the sound of the trumpet;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will cut off the ruler from its midst,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and will kill all its officials with him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">says the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus says the Lord:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For three transgressions of Judah,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because they have rejected the law of the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and have not kept his statutes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but they have been led astray by the same lies</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>after which their ancestors walked.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I will send a fire on Judah,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and it shall devour the strongholds of Jerusalem.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thus says the Lord:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For three transgressions of Israel,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">because they sell the righteous for silver,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the needy for a pair of sandals—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and push the afflicted out of the way;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">father and son go in to the same girl,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that my holy name is profaned;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they lay themselves down beside every altar</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on garments taken in pledge;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and in the house of their God they drink</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>wine bought with fines they imposed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 Thessalonians 5:1-11</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters,* you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved,* are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luke 21:5-19</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!”* and, “The time is near!”* Do not go after them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words* and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 146, 147</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 146</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord, O my soul!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will praise the Lord as long as I live;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will sing praises to my God all my life long.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do not put your trust in princes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in mortals, in whom there is no help.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When their breath departs, they return to the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on that very day their plans perish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>whose hope is in the Lord their God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who made heaven and earth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the sea, and all that is in them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who keeps faith for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who executes justice for the oppressed;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who gives food to the hungry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord sets the prisoners free;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord loves the righteous.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord watches over the strangers;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he upholds the orphan and the widow,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord will reign for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your God, O Zion, for all generations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 147</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How good it is to sing praises to our God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord builds up Jerusalem;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he gathers the outcasts of Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He heals the broken-hearted,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and binds up their wounds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He determines the number of the stars;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he gives to all of them their names.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his understanding is beyond measure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he casts the wicked to the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>make melody to our God on the lyre.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He covers the heavens with clouds,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>prepares rain for the earth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>makes grass grow on the hills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives to the animals their food,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and to the young ravens when they cry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His delight is not in the strength of the horse,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in those who hope in his steadfast love.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Praise your God, O Zion!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he strengthens the bars of your gates;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he blesses your children within you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He grants peace* within your borders;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he fills you with the finest of wheat.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sends out his command to the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his word runs swiftly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives snow like wool;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he scatters frost like ashes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He hurls down hail like crumbs—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who can stand before his cold?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sends out his word, and melts them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He declares his word to Jacob,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his statutes and ordinances to Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has not dealt thus with any other nation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they do not know his ordinances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 111, 112, 113</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 111</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the company of the upright, in the congregation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Great are the works of the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>studied by all who delight in them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Full of honour and majesty is his work,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his righteousness endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord is gracious and merciful.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He provides food for those who fear him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he is ever mindful of his covenant.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has shown his people the power of his works,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in giving them the heritage of the nations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The works of his hands are faithful and just;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all his precepts are trustworthy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are established for ever and ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sent redemption to his people;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he has commanded his covenant for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Holy and awesome is his name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all those who practise it* have a good understanding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His praise endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 112</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Happy are those who fear the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who greatly delight in his commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their descendants will be mighty in the land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the generation of the upright will be blessed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wealth and riches are in their houses,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and their righteousness endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is well with those who deal generously and lend,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who conduct their affairs with justice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the righteous will never be moved;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they will be remembered for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are not afraid of evil tidings;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their righteousness endures for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their horn is exalted in honour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wicked see it and are angry;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they gnash their teeth and melt away;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 113</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise, O servants of the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>praise the name of the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed be the name of the Lord</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from this time on and for evermore.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the rising of the sun to its setting</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the name of the Lord is to be praised.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord is high above all nations,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his glory above the heavens.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who is like the Lord our God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who is seated on high,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who looks far down</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on the heavens and the earth?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He raises the poor from the dust,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and lifts the needy from the ash heap,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">to make them sit with princes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with the princes of his people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives the barren woman a home,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>making her the joyous mother of children.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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